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Category: Mike’s Auto Tips

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Are you worried you might need a car battery replacement? In general, car batteries are designed to last approximately four years. There are several factors that will impact the lifespan of your battery, however. Frequent short trips and extreme temperatures can cause your battery to fail sooner, while proper car maintenance can help it last longer. There are also several warning signs that can indicate when your battery is on its last leg. Paying attention to these indicators ensures you have plenty to time to take your vehicle to an auto specialist before you lose power completely. Here’s what you should look for.

1. Slower Engine Crank

Have you noticed that your engine is sluggish or takes longer than normal to start? This may be a sign that your car battery is failing. See an auto technician right away to have it tested. Continue Reading →

It’s easy to forget an oil change here and there, but you shouldn’t make a habit of neglecting routinecar maintenance. Taking care of your car properly ensures it will run smoother and be a more dependable means of transportation longer. This is especially important if you require your vehicle to and from work each day. The more you drive, the more frequently you need to have a professional auto specialist perform routine car maintenance. Here are a few of the most vital car maintenance tasks you need and when to schedule them.

1. After 3,000 – 7,000 Miles

Most vehicles need an oil change every 3,000 miles. This can vary depending on the type of car you own and the oil used. Sometimes you won’t need an oil change until you hit 7,000 miles. Have your auto technician check your oil filter, transmission fluid level, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield wipers at this time as well.Continue Reading →

Now that winter has arrived, it isn’t only the colder weather you need to worry about. Decreasing temperatures and inclement weather can greatly impact your vehicle. For your safety, it’s vitally important that you take steps to complete proper car maintenance as soon as possible. One of the most important things to consider is the type of tires you plan to use. Don’t assume your vehicle is adequately prepared. You should speak with a trained auto specialist about changing your tires as you enter every season. To help ensure you and your vehicle are prepared for the upcoming months, here’s what you should know about winter tires.

1. Winter Tires Are Important

Many car owners wonder if they actually need winter tires at all. If you live in an area where inclement weather—including snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain—occurs frequently, then winter tires are probably a good idea. You should also purchase winter tires if you plan on driving through areas with heavy snowfall during your holiday traveling.Continue Reading →

Do you own a Mercedes? If you do, it’s likely you’re already familiar with how important it is to take proper care of such an incredible vehicle. Regular car maintenance is vital in order to keep your car looking beautiful and running immaculately. Here are several important Mercedes car maintenance tips you should keep in mind between and during visits with your local auto specialist.

1. Park in the Shade

This may seem like a small thing, but it’s actually a very important part of caring for the body of your Mercedes. The sun’s rays can be extremely damaging, causing the paint on your vehicle to fade. When able, park your car in a garage or where there is plenty of shade.Continue Reading →

Do you own a BMW? If so, you already know how important it is to take proper care of your luxury vehicle. You paid a lot for your BMW and it makes sense that you want it to stay beautiful and functional for many years to come. In order to ensure this, you must always keep car maintenance in mind. Here are several BMW maintenancetips you should remember when taking your vehicle to see a local auto specialist.

1. Have Tires Inspected and Rotated Regularly

The tires on your BMW are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. You should have your tires inspected and the air pressure tested regularly, but especially as the seasons change. Always ask your auto technician if they’d recommend rotating your tires.Continue Reading →

Nothing ruins a day more than being involved in a fender-bender on your way to work. Not only are you delayed, but you’re now faced with the need for expensive car repairs. Regular car maintenance is something you can plan and prepare for. But, unexpected repairs due to traffic accidents can come up suddenly. The best way to avoid an unexpected trip to see your auto specialist is to drive safely and responsibly. Here are several great tips preventing accidents and keeping your car out of the shop.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Your Route

While it’s impossible to memorize every map for every trip you take, it is important to be as familiar with your route as possible. It’s always a good idea to ask a friend or family member to assist with navigation when driving to a new place. Using a GPS that provides verbal commands is another good option.

2. Remain Focused

Distraction is a major factor in most car accidents. Cell phone usage, loud music, and daydreaming can be huge hazards. Are you serious about preventing accidents and avoiding your local auto technician? Then remain focused on the road and the cars around you at all times.Continue Reading →

This Maserati had a noise and loud rattle coming from the top passenger side of the engine it also had the check engine light on with an error for the passenger side intake cam shaft variator. On this engine, the timing has to be set like a race car using a degree wheel at the crank and a dial indicator to measure the cam shaft timing.

While it’s the winter months most car owners worry about, the summer months pose just as many potential problems for your vehicle. The fact is, car maintenance should be a regular part of your routine year-round. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a big road trip with friends or family this summer or merely driving to and from work every day, car maintenance needs to be a priority. Make sure you take time, sooner rather than later, to have a professional auto specialist examine your vehicle. Here are several maintenance elements you should have checked out this summer.

1.Check Fluids

Elevated temperatures don’t necessarily impact your vehicle overheating, but they can certainly be a factor. Not to mention the fact that you don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road during oppressively hot weather. Make sure you have your auto technician check the fluids in your vehicle. Regular oil changes are essential, but have everything inspected to be safe.Continue Reading →

Have you noticed that your car engine has been running hotter than normal? An overheated car engine is nothing to joke around about. If you notice the temperature gauge on your vehicle increasing, you should take the warning very seriously. While proper car maintenance performed by a professional auto specialist can help prevent issues with overheating, any number of internal problems could be causing your vehicle to overheat. If this happens while you’re driving, here’s what you can do to keep yourself and your car safe.

1.Shut Off Your Vehicle

The very first thing that you should do when your engine overheats is pull over and shut your vehicle off. While you may want to try to drive the few extra miles to the nearest auto technician, it’s imperative that you stop your car immediately and let it cool down.Continue Reading →

Are you familiar with what all of your dashboard warning lights mean and how to respond to each one of them? Regular car maintenance is imperative to keep your automobile running, as well as to keep you and your passengers safe. The hope is that you’ll always have time to take your vehicle to an auto specialist if a problem arises. However, sometimes you need to respond to your car’s warnings right away. Knowing the following three important dashboard lights and what to do when you see them will keep you and your car safe.

1.Engine Light

If you see a dashboard warning light shaped like a car engine, it’s important to take action right away. Don’t assume this warning will just go away. It means that there is a problem with your car’s engine. Often, this warning is accompanied by a loss of driving power. Take your car to an auto technician as quickly as possible.Continue Reading →

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U guys did a great job on a very short notice. I really appreciate the quick response to the mess I was in.
I would highly recommend u to anyone with a BMW
Cheers, J

Justin Vorhees

5 out of 5 stars

posted 9 months ago

Mike knows his stuff! Plus, his new mechanic is very specialized and can handle any type of high-end European auto repair. From classics to exotics, this is the place to go if you have a nice car and want to keep it that way. Bimmer approved!

Libby L

5 out of 5 stars

posted 1 year ago

I can't imagine anyone having anything but a great experience in working with Mike at Classic Motorsports. I inadvertently purchased what has turned out to be a bit of a lemon about a year ago. It has required some fairly extensive repairs and both times it's been in to see Mike he has been very fair, and is very knowledgeable about what it will take to keep the car running well. His turn around time is much better than any mechanic I've been to, and he is great about explaining why the car needs what it does and how that works with the rest of the engine. Mike will continue to get my business for as long as I own a European car.